It seems the new fad for pet sitting and dog walking companies is to offer their clients a key lock box so that the company doesn’t have to bother with client keys any longer, but what is the risk to your home and pet?
What is a Key Lock Box?
A key lock box is a small metal box that can be attached to your door or home. It is equipped with a combination that opens the box. Inside you are supposed to place the key to your home for easy access. It is the same thing that realtors use for houses they are trying to sell. The big difference is most homes with a lock box are empty.
How Secure is a Key Lock Box?
I did a little research and I found several YouTube videos with step by step instructions on how to break into a lock box. All the thief needs are a pair of scissors, an aluminum can and a little knowledge. The thief can break into that lock box in less than three minutes. Once the thief does that he or she has the key to your home where he or she can let themselves in to not only steal from you but either harm, steal or release your beloved pets.
But I live in a Secure Building.
A secure building does help, but these building also have workers coming in and out. If someone is adept at breaking into lock boxes it won’t take them very long before they have your keys in hand. And while a lot of these building have security cameras, someone intent on getting in and out of your apartment or condo without being caught on camera is going to do just that. Why give them extra help by providing them with a key?
Why We Decided against them
When I was selling my mother’s home our real estate agent would not put a lock box on the door because she felt that it would make my mother’s home vulnerable. There were still items inside the home. I’m sure a lock box would be fine for a realtor who wants to sell an empty house but are you willing to take that chance with your home and pets. I know I wouldn’t be.
From the very beginning Dances with Dogs has taken the security of our clients’ homes very seriously and that is why we will not be jumping on the lock box train unless the technology improves considerably.